NIAGARA CHARTER: Parents, teachers make case to keep school open

<!--Rick Forgione--><table width="234" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" background="http://static.cnhi.zope.net/flashpromo/niagaragazette/images/byline_234x60.jpg" height="60"><tr><td><div align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">By Rick Forgione</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></font><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="mailto:rick.forgione@niagara-gazette.com">rick.forgione@niagara-gazette.com</a></font></div></td></tr></table>

Michael Cole says his three grandchildren are excited to go to school and more attentive when they come home.

“I have seen the changes and improvements in them,” he said. “It’s amazing and it’s all thanks to Niagara Charter School.”

Cole was among several parents to give Niagara Charter rave reviews during a public hearing earlier this week at a Niagara-Wheatfield Board of Education meeting. The hearing was a required step in the school’s application process for charter renewal.

“The people here tonight — our teachers, principal, parents and even a few students — are here to say we want to continue our school,” said Jesse Scott, Niagara Charter’s community and parent liaison. “The things we’ve said we could do, we’ve done.”

Niagara Charter School has boasted yearly increases in both academics and student enrollment since opening in 2006 at 2077 Lockport Road. An initial enrollment of 264 students in grades kindergarten through fourth has grown into 350 students and the school now teaches up to sixth grade. This past summer, the school graduated its first official class.

“We have gone over hurdles that I never thought we could do,” said Chief Academic Officer Karen Marchioli, who noted the school has posted dramatic improvements on state assessments since opening.

Earlier this year, officials began the required process for charter renewal and are hoping to be awarded the maximum five-year extension by the State Education Department after their license ends this school year. Though most of its students are originally from the Niagara Falls School District, Niagara Charter is located within Niagara-Wheatfield’s boundaries.

N-W Superintendent Carl Militello said all comments from the public hearing will be sent to the State Education Department for review as part of the application process. The district’s school board does not have a vote in the charter renewal.

Parents who commented at the hearing described the county’s first charter school as a growing and successful educational institution with a dedicated staff and positive learning experience for all students, regardless of their academic standing. The school’s smaller enrollment compared to most public elementary schools fosters a family atmosphere and nurturing environments, others said.

In addition, Niagara Charter’s academic days are longer and the year is 200 days, compared to 182 at traditional public schools, giving students more time on task.

“We should be open-minded in offering educational solutions for our children,” said Brad Frank, who has two children enrolled at Niagara Charter and feels an alternative to traditional public schools is essential.

A few speakers made emotional pleas to keep the school open.

“Our community needs the charter school,” said Joanne Scott. “To take it away would be devastating.”

Marchioli said the school’s renewal application could go to the Board of Regents for review as early as December.